Repeating fuse construction



Sept. 1, 1936;

W. O. SCHULTZ ET AL REPEATING FUSE CONSTRUCTION Originai Filed June 15, 1934 4 Sheets-Sheet l Sept. 1, 1936- w. o. SCHULTZ ET AL REPEAT ING FUSE CONSTRUCTION Original Filed June 16, 1934 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 H y m mm? m E. h w

Sept. 1, 1936- w. o. SCHULTZ ET AL REPEATING FUSE CONSTRUCTION 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Original Filed June 16, 1934 w Zr am Mm 500% m0 m M m mm T mwwfl p 1936- w. o. SCHULTZ-ET AL 2,052,671

'REPEATING FUSE CONSTRUCTION Original Fiied June 16, 1934 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 BY 1/11/01 YJfa/Mwyar Patented Sept. 1, 1936 UNITED STATES.

PATENT OFFICE 2,052,671 nnraa'rmo FUSE oons'rnuo'rron Application June 16, 193 2, Serial No. teases Renewed November 21, 1935 39 Claims.

This invention relates to a repeating-fuse construction and is particularly directed to a construction in which a device is provided which recloses the circuit after the blowing of a fuse 5 and connects a fresh or reserve fuse in the circuit, such device being capable of repeating as many times as the device is designed for.

The advantage of this automatic repeating fuse construction is that the device lends itself to transmission service and customer's substation service. Frequently in these services short-circuits occur due to any one of many causes, such as a tree falling across a pair of lines, a pair of lines being whipped together by a wind, a flashover, a temporary ground, or the branch of a tree which in a violent wind may be blown against the line. Under these and similar; conditions it frequently happens that the trouble is only temporary and that it either ceases of itself or the 2 fault is burned out almost immediately.

This invention is designed to provide a device which will take care of conditions such as outlined above, which will electrically disconnect the blown fuse from the line, and after a pre- 25 determined brief interval immediately connect a reserve or fresh fuse in the line, such device providing for the successive operation of as many fuses as the device is equipped to handle, and to provide a device of this type in which the time delay interval is automatically secured from the inherent characteristics of the device itself without requiring any auxiliary timing mechanism.

Further objects are to provide a construction in which the timing means forming a part of the 35 fuse mechanism itself is adjustable so that the time interval between the dropping out of one fuse and the closing of the circuit through the succeeding fuse, may be adjusted in a very simple manner so that the device may reclose after any predetermined period.

Also in a device of this type it is obviously desirable to provide for the re-fusing of the blown fuse while the service is still maintained through one of the auxiliary fuses.

45 This invention provides for the renewal of a blown fuse without interrupting the service, and objects of this invention are to provide a construction which permits the ready removal and re fusing of the blown fuse, which permits the 50 ready restoring of such re-fused fuse, and the automatic disconnecting of the next, adjacent auxiliary or reserve fuse without at any time interrupting the circuit during this restoring operation.

55 One of the primary objects of this inventio S to provide a construction in which the fuses are all mechanically in place initially, in which no fuse has to be first mechanically moved into place before it' is ready to operate upon the blowing of a preceding or first fuse, in which the 5 auxiliary or reserve fuses, although mechanically in place, are nevertheless automatically electrically connected in service in succession as the preceding fuse or fuses blow.

Further objects are to provide a construction in which the device is eminently adapted for high voltage lines, in wh ch each fuse as it blows drops downwardly and swings clear of the upper contact to thereby provide maximum spacing at the open portion of the circuit, and which nevertheless is rugged in construction, is simple to make, and is simple to install and is very easy to renew.

Further objects are to provide a construction in which the blown fuse or fuses may be readily removed by a switch hook or switch stick and may be readily replaced by such switch stick and again placed in service without requiring handling of any high tension part by the operator.

Further objects are to provide an automatic device in which the free falling of the blown fuse automatically closes a switch to establish a circuit through the next reserve fuse, which looks the switch in closed position, in which the fallen cartridge may be removed and the continuity of service maintained, in which the re-fused cartridge when rocked to closed position automatically restores itself, that is to say, restores the service through the first fuse, unlocking the switch and disconnecting the next reserve fuse, the restored fuse, however, establishing its own circuit prior to the interruption of the circuit through the next adjacent reserve fuse.

Further important objects of this invention are to provide means for positively closing the auxiliary switch for the next succeeding iuse wth 4% a quick snap action, and for opening the switch for the next succeeding fuse when the fallen fuse has been re-fused and replaced, so that during the final motion of rocking the fallen fuse back into place, the auxiliary switch to the next fuse is opened with a quick snap action, so that arcing either at closing or at opening of the auxiliary switch is reduced to minimum.

It has been found that when a fuse blows under heavy load conditions, such as short-circuit conditions, and drops out, that the auxiliary switch as it approaches the stationary contact tends to draw an arc and consequently, by providing a v quick positive make or closing motion, this arcing is reduced very markedly.

Further objects are to provide a removable auxiliary contact which fulfills the very important purpose in that it is the contact that first approaches the stationary contact during the closing motion of the auxiliary switch, and, consequently, this arcing tip takes substantially all of the burning action or destructive action away from the movable switch blade.

In general this is an improvement over our copending application Serial No. 677,654, filed June 26, 1933, for Repeating fuse construction, and has the same objects as those disclosed in such copending application.

An embodiment of the invention is shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a view, with parts broken away, showing the structure in elevation.

Figure'Z is a section, with parts broken away, taken on the line 2-'-2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an enlarged sectional view on the line 3-3 of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is an enlarged sectional view on the line 4-4 of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a view corresponding to Figure 3 showing the mechanism after the fuse has fallen to its lowest position.

Referring to the drawings, it will be seen' that the fuse is carried by a base of any suitable type, such for example as the frame metal base, which may consist of upright angle or channel members I and horizontal upper and lower angle or channel members 2 and 3, respectively.

A plurality of upper insulators 4 extend outwardly from the upper member 2, and a plurality of lower insulators 5 extend outwardly from the lower member 3, though it is to be distinctly understood that any suitable arrangement of members andinsulator supports can be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. For instance, it is obvious that either a single insulator, two insulators, or any number of insulators could be used to support the live parts hereinafter described. The upper insulators 4 carry a transverse connecting bar 6 to which a plurality of upper terminal members 1 provided with contacts 8 are attached, as shown most clearly in Figure 2.

These upper terminal members I are each provided with a sleet hood 9 pivotally carried thereby, and this sleethood is provided with a slanting forward face land a shouldered portion ll, behind the latter of which the upper end I2 of the upper contact I3 of the fuse tube I4 is temporarily locked. I

It is preferable to provide a switchhook ring or operating member l5 for manually releasing the upper end of the fuse tube from the latching member or sleet hood 9. This ring I 5 is provided with a pair of arms l6 which are positioned below the sleet hood 9 and when the ring I5 is pulled downwardly, as viewed in Figure 2, it obviously will raise the sleet hood and release the upper end of the fuse.

However, automatic means are provided for releasing the fuse tube when the fuse link blows by allowing the fuse tube to drop downwardly away from the latching hood.

It is to be noted, however, that the upper contact has the spring brush fingers or flexible contact member Bwhich yieldingly bears against the face of the upper contact l3 of the fuse tube, and

thus insures a very ,positive electrical connection until the fuse has dropped downwardly andre.

These brackets l8are electrically separate and distinct from each other and the electrical connection between one lower terminal or bracket and the succeeding lower terminal or bracket is only made when the preceding fuse drops downwardly in a manner herein described upon rupturing of the fuse link.

The bracket i8 is bolted to a second bracket I9 which carries the lower brush contacts '20 which engage against theface of the pivoted lower contact lever or member 2| carried by the fuse tube id. The bracket 69 is also provided with a laterally projecting arm 22 which is provided with a flat face 23 which constitutes the stationary contact of the auxiliary switch, the movable contact consisting of the brush contact 24. The bracket also has an upper face 25 upon which the auxiliary tip contact 26 strikes prior to the engagement of the movable contact 24 with the face 23, such auxiliary contact 26 being carried by a' spring arm 2! locked to the contact 26, as is apparent from Figures 3, 4 and 5, and as will be described in greater detail hereinafter.

The lever or contact member 2| is normally substantially vertical and is pivoted adjacent its upper end to an intermediate member 28 which may be provided with a projecting arm 29 which is adapted to be engaged by a switch stick so that the fuse may be bodily lifted by the switch stick from the lower hook-shaped supporting member 30 of the bracket i8 and may be replaced and thereafter rocked into position by means of the switch stick through the medium of the upperv ring l5, for instance.

The lever 2| is normally held in place against the fuse tube l4 by means of the fuse link 3|, such fuse link having its free end locked in place by the thumb nut 32, as shown most clearly in Figure 4. Obviously when the fuse link 3| is ruptured, relative motion will occur between. the fuse tube l4 and the lever 2|, permitting the fuse tube to first drop downwardly, the lower end of the fuse tube moving outwardly as the fuse tube is pivotally supported from the upper end of the lever-2|, the lower end of the lever 2| being provided with trunnions 33 removably seated within the hooklike arms 30 of the bracket l8. Thereafter, the fusetube and the lever 2| rockto their lowest positions, as shown in Figure 5. It is to be noted particularly that inadvertent disengagement of the trunnions 33 from their hooklike I supporting members 30 cannot occur.

manipulated through the medium of a switch stick in the manner hereinbefore described.

The lever 2| is provided with outwardly projecting pins or bumpers 35 on opposite sides thereof which are preferably provided with rubber portions 36. These bumpers project from opposite sides of the lever 2|, as is evident from an inspection of Figure'l. They are adapted to engage the feet 31 of the release mechanism. These feet 31 are carried by adjustable arc-shaped members 38 which are adjustably locked to similarly curved arc-shaped members 39 carried by the spaced arms 40 of the tripping cradle 4|, such cradle being pivotally supported, as indicated at 42, from the bracket i8.

The cradle 4| is substantially U-shaped, as may be seen from Figures 1 and 4 particularly. It is provided with an outwardly projecting lug 43, see Figure 3, to which one end of the relatively heavy tension spring 44 is attached, the

other end of the tension spring being attached to a stationary portion of the apparatus, for

example the latch pivot pin 45.

The spring 44 is normally positioned forwardly of the pivot point of the cradle 4|, but when the feet 31 are struck by the bumpers of the lever 2|, the cradle is rocked so that the line of tension of the spring 44 passes to the rear side of the pivot point of the cradle, as shown in Figure 5, and thus snaps the cradle into the position shown in Figure 5 for a purpose hereinafter to appear.

The limit for the normal position of the cradle is obtained in any suitable manner as by means of the adjustable screw 46 carried by the latch 41, such latch being pivotally mounted upon the pin 45 and being spring urged outwardly by means of the spr ng 48, as may be seen from Figure 4.

Further it is to be noted that the upper portion of the cradle 4| is engaged by the intermediate member 23 of the fuse tube i4 when the fuse tube is rocked towards closed position, and consequently the cradle is rocked back to its initial position when the fuse tube has been replaced and rocked to its closed pos tion, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. This, therefore, rocks the latch to its releasing position, also as shown in Figures 3 and 4, for a purpose hereinafter to appear, the latch,

it being noted particularly from Figures 4 and 5,

being provided with a shouldered portion 49 proing member is provided with an outwardly and upwardly arched portion 52, see Figures 1 and 3, so that it clears the spring 44 and the lug 43 hereinbefore described and is particularly shown in Figure 1.

The switch blade 24 is clamped in any suitable manner to the flat portion of the arm 52, as shown particularly in Figure i, so that the switch arm rocks with the cradle 5| as a unitary structure thereof. a

It is preferable to provide a flexible electrical connection, as indicated at 53, between the terminal member or bracket 22 and the switch arm 24, as shown inFigure 3. Stops 54 are formed integrally with the cradle 5| and project inwardly,

, as shown in Figures 1 and 3. These stops are arrested by the portion I! in the extreme position, as shown in Figure -5.

Additionally, the cradle 5| is provided with an outwardly turned foot 55 which, together with the arm 52, are engaged by portions carried by the cradle 4|, as for example by the fiat portions 56 of the arcuate members 39, as is apparent from Figures 1 and 4. This engagement takes place when the cradle 4| rocks quickly towards its final released position, as shown in Figure 5, and thus serves to rock the switch manipulating member 5| into switch closing position.

This switch closing member is provided with an outwardly projecting lug 51, see Figures 1 and 3, which is engaged by one end-of a relatively light tension spring 58 whose other end is carried by the pin 45. This spring 58 tends to rock the switch operating member or cradle 5| to switch the lower lever which is electrically connected 25 to the first terminal member of the first fuseof the series.

In other words, the circuit is not closed through the succeeding fuse until the preceding fuse has dropped out of circuit. The time interval between the opening of the circuit through the preceding fuse and the closing of the circuit through the succeeding fuse may be accurately predetermined by the adjustment of the feet 31 through the agency of the arcuate members 38 and 39, one of such members being slotted, as shown in Figure 1. Any other suitable adjustment could be provided.

When the fuse blows, the fuse link releases the lever 2| and the fuse moves downwardly, due to the downward and outward rocking of its lower end, as previously described, thus releasing the upper end of the fuse. The fuse and lever then swing downwardly to the position shown in Figure 5 and the bumpers -36 strike the feet 31, thus rocking the cradle 4| so that the line of tension of the spring 44 passes 'rea-rwardly of the pivot of such cradle.

This causes the cradle to quickly snap to its final position, as shown in ure 5, and during such motion, the cradle rocks the switch manipulating member or cradle 5| into switch closed. position with a positive quick action, thus minimizing arcing.

Additionally, the auxiliary tip contact 26, see Figure 3, will first engage the portion 25, the switch arm 24 subsequently engaging the portion 23, although, of course, this entire operation takes place with extreme rapidity.

' When the tube has been re-fused and replaced, as described. it is rocked into closed position. During the final closing motion of the re-fused tube, the upper contact 8, see Figure 2, first engages the upper contact 3 of the fuse tube.

Also, it will be noted that the intermediate member or contact 28 of the fuse tube engages the upper portion of the cradle 4|, as shown in Figure 3. This, therefore, rocks the cradle to its initial position .and the cradle engages the screw of the latch 41, thus lifting the latch and releasing the switch manipulating member or cradle 5| and allowing it to snap back to open position under the influence of the spring 58, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. Thus the opening motion of the auxiliary switch is very quick and a quick break is, therefore, made.

It will be seen that this invention provides a drop-out fuse construction which is eminently practice], which is sturdy and is composed of tact described in detail previously which prevents,

arcing at the switch blade 24.

A further important feature is the adjustment of the feet 31 so that the closing of the succeeding fuse may be timed to determine the precise interval between the opening of the circuit and the reclosing thereof.

Although this invention has been described in considerable detail, it is to be understood that such description is intended as illustrative rather than limiting, as the invention may be variously embodied and is to be interpreted as claimed.

We claim: I

1. An automatic repeating fuse construction comprising a first fuse unit and a second fuse unit, an electric line normally connected through said first fuse unit, both said fuse units being normally mechanically held in operative position, means for releasing said first fuse unit upon blowing of said first fuse unit, switch means actuated upon the movement of said first fuse unit for connecting said electrical line throughsaid second fuse unit, and quick motion mechanism independent of said switch for imparting a quick closing motion to said switch means.

-2. An automatic repeating fuse construction comprising a first fuse unit and a second fuse unit, an electric line normally connected through said first fuse unit, both said fuse units being normally mechanically held in operative position, means for releasing said first fuse unit upon blowing of said first fuse unit, switch means actuated upon the movement of said first fuse unit for connecting said electrical line through'saidblowing .of said first fuse unit, switch means actuated upon the movement of said first fuse unit for connecting said electrical line through said second fuse unit, quick motion mechanism for im: parting a quick closing motion to said switch means, and a spring pressed latch for positively locking said switch means in closed position, said latch being released by said first fuse unit when said first'fuse unit is moved back into operative position.

4.,An automatic repeating fuse construction comprising a first fuse unit and a second fuse unit, an electric line normally connected through said first fuse unit, both said fuse units being normally mechanically 'held in operative posi tion, means for releasing said first fuse unit upon blowing of said first fuse unit, switch means permanently biased towards open position, and quick motion mechanism actuating said switch means to cause a quick closing motion of said switch means upon opening movement of said first fuse unit.

5. An automatic repeating fuse construction comprising a first fuse unit and a second fuse unit, an electric line normally connected through said first fuse unit, both said fuseunits being normally mechanically held in operative position, means for releasing said first fuse unit permanently biased towards open position, quick motion mechanism actuating said switch means to cause a quick closing motion of said switch means, and a spring pressed latch for locking said switch means in closed position.

6. An automatic repeating fuse construction comprising a first fuse unit and a second fuse unit, an electric line normally connected through said first fuse unit, both said fuse units being normally mechanically held in operative position, means for releasing said first fuse unit upon blowing of said first fuse unit, switch means permanently biased towards open position, quick motion mechanism actuating said switch means to cause a quick closing motion of said switch means, and a spring pressed latch'for locking said switch means in closed position, said first fuse unit being freely removable without disturbing said latch, and said latch being released by said first fuse unit when said first fuse unit is moved back to operative position.

'7. An automatic repeating fuse construction comprising a first fuse unit and a second fuse unit, an electric line normally connected through said first fuse unit, both said fuse units being normally mechanically held in operative position, means for releasing said first fuse unit upon blowing of said first fuse unit, switch means actuated upon the movement of said first fuse unit for connecting said electrical line through said second fuse unit, and means for causing. a quick closing motion of said switch means when said first fuse unit moves into inoperative position and for causing a quick opening motion of said switch means when said first fuse unit is moved back into operative position. v

- 8. An automatic repeating fuse construction comprising a first fuse unit and a second fuse unit, an electric line normally connected through said first fuse unit,both said fuse unitsbeing normally mechanically held in operative posiupon blowing of saidfirst fuse unit, switch means tion, means for releasing said first fuse unit upon blowing of said first fuse unit, switch means permanently biased towards open position and actu ated'upoh the movement of said first fuse unit for connecting said line through said secondfuse unit, quick motionlmechanisin for causing a quick closing motion of said switch means, and a spring pressed latch for locking said switch means in closed position.

9. An automatic repeating fuse construction comprising a first fuse unit and a second fuse unit, an electric line normally connected through tuated upon the movement of said first fuse unit for connecting said electrical line through said second fuse unit, quick motion mechanism for aosaen causing a quick closing motion of said switch means, and means for varying the interval between the opening of said first fuse unit and the connecting of the electrical line through said second fuse unit.

10. An automatic repeating fuse construction comprising a first fuse unit and a second fuse unit, an electric line normally connected through said first fuse unit, both said fuse units being normally mechanically held in operative position, means for releasing said first fuse unit upon blowing of said first fuse unit, switch means ac-- tuated upon the movement of said firstfuse unit for connecting said electrical line through said second fuse unit, means for positively locking said switch means in closed position, and means for varying the interval between the opening of said first fuse unit and the connecting of the electrical line through said second fuse unit.

11. An automatic repeating fuse construction comprising a first fuse unit and a second fuse unit, an electric line normally connected through said first fuse unit, both said fuse units being normally mechanically held in operative position, means for releasing said first fuse unit upon blowing of said first fuse unit, switch means actuated upon the movement of said first fuse unit for connecting said electrical line through said second fuse unit, means for positively'locking said switch means in closed position, and means for varying the interval between the opening of said first fuse unit and the connecting of the electrical line through said second fuse unit, said first fuse unit being freely removable after said first fuse unit has blown without disturbing said latch means.

12. An automatic repeating fuse construction comprising a first fuse unit and a second fuse unit, an electric line normally connected through said first fuse unit, both said fuse units being normally mechanically held in operative position,

means for releasing said first fuse unit upon blowing of said first fuse unit, switch means actuated upon the movement of said first fuse unit for connecting said electrical line through said upon blowing of said first fuse'unit, switch means actuated upon the movement ofsaid first fuse unit for connecting said electrical line through said second fuse unit, quick motion mechanism for imparting a quick closing motion to said switch means, and an auxiliary contact on said switch means, said auxiliary contact. closing prior to the closing of the main portion of said switch means, said auxiliary contact being removable from said switch means.

14. An automatic repeating .fuse construction comprising a first fuse unit and a second fuse unit, an electric line normally connected through said first fuseunit, both said fuse units being normally mechanically held in operative position, means for releasing said first fuse unit upon blowing of said first fuse unit, switch means operable after the blowing of said first fuse unit for connecting said electrical line through said second fuse unit, and a spring urged member independent of said switch and actuated by the movement of said first fuse unit for imparting a quick closing motion to said switch means.

15. An automatic repeating fuse construction comprising a first fuse unit and a second fuse unit, an electric line norm-ally connected through said first fuse unit, both said fuse units being normally mechanically held in operative position, means for releasing said first fuse unit upon blowing of said first fuse unit, switch means operable afterthe blowing of said first fuse unit for connecting said electrical line through said second fuse unit, and a pivotally mounted cradle actuated by the movement of said first fuse unit for closing said switch means, said cradle having spring means for imparting a quick motion thereto, whereby said switch means is given a quick closing motion.

16. An automatic repeating fuse construction comprising a first fuse unit and a second fuse unit, an electric line normally connected through said first fuse unit, both said fuse units being normally mechanically held in operative position, means for releasing said first fuse unit upon blowing of said first fuse unit, switch means operable upon the movement of the first fuse unit for connecting said electrical line through said second fuse unit, locking means for locking said switch means after the closing of said switch means, a pivotally mounted member for closing said switch means upon movement of said first fuse unit, said pivotally mounted member including quick motion mechanism for imparting a quick closing motion to said switch means.

17. fm automatic repeating fuse construction comprising a first fuse unit and a second fuse unit, an electric line normally connected through said first fuse unit, both said fuse units being normally mechanically held in operative position, means for releasing said first fuse unit upon blowing of said first fuse unit, switch means operable upon the movement of the first fuse unit for connecting said electrical line through said second fuse unit, locking means for locking said switch means after the closing of said switch means, a pivotally mounted member for closing said switch means upon movement of said first fuse unit, said pivotally mounted member including quick motion mechanism for imparting a quick closing motion to said switch means,

said pivotally mounted member being rocked by the closing motion of said first fuse unit and releasing said locking means upon the closing of said first fuse unit.

18. An automatic repeating fuse construction comprising a first fuse unit and a second fuse unit, an electric line normally connected through said first fuse unit, both said fuse units being 'normally mechanically held in operative position, means for releasing said first fuse unit upon blowing of said first fuse unit, switch means operable after the blowing of said first fuse unit for connecting said electrical line through said second fuse unit, and a pivotally mounted memher for closing said switch means, said pivotally mounted member being rocked by the motion of said first fuse unit and having spring means whose line offorce passes across dead center during the rocking motion of said pivotally mounted member, whereby a quick closing motion is imparted to said switch means.

19. An automatic repeating fuse construction comprising a first'fuse unit and a second fuse unit, an electric line, normally connected through open position, and a pivotally mounted member including quick motion mechanism for imparting a quick closing motion to said switch means, said pivotally mounted member being actuated upon the-movement of said first fuse'unit.

20. An automatic repeating fuse construction comprising a first fuse unit and a second fuse unit, an electric line normally connected through said first fuse unit, both said fuse units being normally mechanically held in operative position, means for releasing said first fuse unit upon blowing of .said first fuse unit, switch means operable after the blowing of said first fuse unit tion, mounted and being adapted to movefrom operative to inoperative position, means for releasfor connecting said electrical line through said second fuse unit, a pivotally mounted cradle carrying said switch means and biased towards open position, and a second pivotally mounted cradle having spring means whose line of stress passes across dead center during the rocking motion of said second cradle, said second cradle imparting a quick closing motion to said switch means through the medium of said first mentioned cradle and being actuated upon the movement of said first fuse unit.

21; An automatic repeating fuse construction comprising a first fuse unit and a second fuse unit, an electric line normally connected through saidfirst fuse unit, both said fuse units being normally mechanically held in operative posisaid first fuse unit at least being movably ing said first fuse unit upon blowing of said first fuse unit, switch means actuated upon movement of said first fuse unit for connecting said electrical line through said second fuse unit, and a cradle moved by the first fuse unit for moving said switch to connect said electrical line through said second fuse unit upon blowing of said first fuse unit, said cradle providing lost motion between said. first fuse unit and the cradle and between the switch and the cradle.

22. An automatic repeating fuse construction comprising afirst fuse unit and a second fuse unit, an electric line'normally connected through said first fuse unit, both said fuse units being normally mechanically held in operative 'position, said first fuse unit at least being movably mounted and being adapted to move from operative to inoperative position, means for releasing said first fuse unit upon blowing of said first fuse unit, switch means actuated upon movement of said first fuse unit for connectingsaid electrical line through said second fuse unit, a, cradle moved by thefirst fuse unit for moving said switch to connect said electrical line through'said second fuse unit upon'blowing of said first fuse unit, said cradle providinglost motion between said first fuse unit and the cradle and between the switch and the cradle, and a spring normally ur'gingsaid switch to open circuit position when saidfuse unit is in circuit closing position.

23. An automatic repeating fuse construction comprising a first fuse unitand a second fuse; unit, an electric line. normally connected through and the cradle, a spring normally urging said said first fuse unit, both said fuse units being normally mechanically held in operative position. said first fuse unit at least being movably mounted and being adapted to move from operative to inoperative position, means for releasing said 5 first fuse unit upon blowing of said first fuse unit, switch means actuated upon movement of said first fuse unit for connecting said electrical line through said second fuse unit, a cradle moved by the first fuse unit for moving said switch to connect said electrical line through said second fuse unit upon blowing of said first fuse unit, said cradle providing lost motion between said first fuse unit and the cradle and between the switch 15 switch to open circuit position when said fuse unit is in circuit closing position and a second spring controlled by said cradle and serving to snap said switch to circuit closing position. I

24. An automatic repeating circuit interrupting construction comprising afirst automatic circuit interruptingunit and a second automatic circuit interrupting unit, an electric line normally connected through said first unit. both said units being mechanically held in operative po'sition, current controlled means for releasing said f, first unit upon the occurrence of an overload in said line, circuit closing switch-means actuated by the movement of the first unit forconnecting said electric line through said second unit, and quick motion mechanism independent of said switch means for imparting a quick closing motion to said switch means. c

25. An automatic repeating circuit interrupting construction comprising a first automatic circuit interrupting unit and a second automatic circuit interrupting unit, an electric line normally connected thorugh said first unit, both of said units being mechanically held in operative position, cur-.

rent controlled means for releasing said first unit upon the occurrence of an overload in said line, circuit closing switch means actuated by the movement of the first unit for connecting said electric line through said second unit, quick motion mechanism independent of said switch means for imparting a quick closing motion to said switch means, and locking means for locking said switch means in closed circuit position after the initial closing of said switch means.

26. An automatic repeating circuit interrupting construction comprising a first automatic circuit interrupting unit and a second automatic circuitinterrupting unit, an electric line normally connected through said first unit. both said units being mechanically held in operative position, current controlled means forreleasing said first j unit upon the occurrence of an overload in said line, circuit closing switch means actuated by the movement of the first unit for connecting said electric line through said second unit, quick motion mechanism independent of said switch means for imparting a quick closing motion to said switch means, and a'spring pressed .latch for positively locking s'aid' switch, means in closed position, said latch being released by said first back into cirnected through said first unit,'both of said units being mechanically held in operative position,

current controlled means for releasing said first unit upon the occurrence of an overload in said 75 line, circuit closing switch means actuated by the movement of the first unit for connecting said electric line through said second unit, quick motion mechanism independent of said switch means for imparting a quick closing motion to said switch means, locking means for locking said switch means in'closed circuit position after the initial closing of said switch means, and means for varying the interval between the opening of the first unit and the connecting oi the electric line through said second unit.

28. An automatic repeater circuit interrupting device comprising a plurality of units, at least one of said units having a pivotally mounted arcing tube provided with a latch for releasing a unit for movement to circuit opening position, and current controlled means for releasing said latch, in combination with a pivotally mounted circuit closing switch iorclosing the circuit through a succeeding unit when said arcing tube has moved to open-circuit position, and a pivotally mounted switch operating means controlled by said arcing tube and providing lost motion between the switch operating means and said arcing tube and the switch operating means and said switch.

29. An automatic repeater circuit interrupting device comprising a'plurality of units, at least one of said units having a pivotally mounted arcing tube provided with a latch for releasing the tube for movement to circuit opening position, current responsive means for releasing said latch, in combination with a pivotally mounted circuit closing switch for closing the circuit through a succeeding unit when said arcing tube has opened said circuit, a pivotally mounted switch operating means controlled by said arcing tube and providing lost motion between the switch operating means and said arcing tube and the switch operating means and said switch, and a spring normally urging said switch to open circuit position when said arcing tube is in circuit closing position.

30. An automatic repeater circuit interrupting device comprising a plurality of units, at least one of said units having a pivotally mounted arcing tube, a latch for releasing the tube for movement to circuit opening position, and currentresponsive means for releasing said latch, in com! bination with a pivotally mounted circuit closing switch for closing the circuit through a succeeding unit when said tube has opened said circuit, a pivotally mounted switch operating means controlled by said arcing tube and providing lost motion between the switch operating means and arcing tube and the switch operating means and said switch,a spring normally urging said switch to open circuit position when said arcing"tube is in circuit closing position, and a second spring controlled by said switch operating means and serving to snap said switch to circuit closing position.

31. An automatic repeater circuit interrupter.

, comprising a first circuit interrupting unit, a secing said tube, acircuit closing switch having switch operating means extending into the path of movement of said tube to be actuated thereby for closing and opening said switch, and quick acting means for snapping said switch to circuit closing position after said switch operating means has been actuated by said tube.

32. An automatic repeater circuit interrupter comprising a first circuit interrupting unit, a second circuit interrupting unit, the-first circuit interrupting unit comprising a'pivotally mounted arcing tube releasably latched in circuit closing position and current responsive means for releasing said tube, a circuit closing switch having switch operating means extending into the path of movement of said tube to-be actuated thereby for closing and opening said switch and providing lost motion between said tube and switch operating means, and quick acting means for snapping said switch to circuit closing position after said switch operating means has been actuated by said tube.

33. An automatic circuit interrupter comprising a first fuse unit including a pivotally mounted fuse tube latched in circuit closing position and a fuse link in said tube releasably holding said tube in latched position, a second fuse unit, a circuit closing switch having switch operating means extending into the path of movement 015 said tube to be actuated thereby for closing and opening said switch, and quick acting means for snapping said switch to circuit closing position after said switch operating means has been actuated by said tube. I f

34. An automatic circuit interrupter comprising a first iuse unit including a pivotally mounted fuse tube latched in circuit closing position and a fuse link in said tube releasably holding said tube in latched position, a second fuse unit,

-a circuit closing switch having switch operating means extending into the path of movement of said tube to be actuated thereby for closing and opening said switch and providing lost motion between the tube and operating means, and quick acting means for snapping said switch to closing position after said switch operating means has been actuated by said tube.

35. An automatic repeating circuit interrupting construction comprising a first automatic circuit interrupting unit and a second automatic circuit interrupting unit, an electric line normally connected through said first unit, both said units being mechanically held in operative position, current controlled means for releasing said first unit upon the occurrence of an overload in said line, circuit closing switch means actuated by the movement of the first unit for connecting said electric line through said second unit, and quick motion mechanism for imparting a quick closing including aswitch arm forming a direct current path when in closed position and said quick motion mechanism includinga spring, said spring being a distinct and separate member from said switch arm. s

36. An automatic repeating circuit interrupting construction comprising a first automatic circuit interrupting unit and a second automatic circuit interrupting unit, an electric line normally connected through said first unit, both of said units being mechanically held in operative position, current controlled means for releasing said first unit upon the occurrence of an overload in said line, circuit'closing switch means actuated by the movement of the first unit. for connecting said electric linethrough said second unit, quick motion mechanism for imparting a quick closing motion to said switch means, and locking means for locking said'switch means in closed circuit position after the initial closing of said switch means, said switch means including a switch arm forming a direct current path when in closed position and'said quick motion mechanism includmotionto said switch means, said switch means ing a spring, said spring being' a distinct and separate member from said switch arm.

3'7. An automatic repeating circuit interrupting construction comprising a first automatic circuit interrupting unit and a second automatic circuit interrupting unit, an electric line normally connccted through said first unit, both said units being mechanically held in operative position, current controlled means for releasing said first unit upon the occurrence of an overload in said line, a circuit closing switch released upon movement of the first unit for connecting said electric line through said second unit, and spring means operatively associated with said switch, the line of stress of said spring means passing across dead 'center during the closing motion of said switch,

' whereby a quick closing motion is imparted to said switch. V

38. An automatic repeating circuit interrupting construction comprising a first automatic circuit interrupting unit and a second automatic circuit interrupting unit, an electric line normally connected through said first unit, both said units being mechanically held in operative position, current controlled means for releasing said first unit upon the occurrence of an overload in 'said line, a circuztplosingswitch released upon movement of the first unit for connecting said electric line through said second unit, spring means operatively associated with said switch, the line of stress of said spring means passing across dead center during the closing motion of said switch, whereby a quick. closing motion is imparted to said switch, and means for opening said switch when said first unit is moved back to operative position.

' 39. An automatic repeating circuit interrupting construction comprising a first automatic circuit interrupting unit and a second automatic circuit interrupting unit, an electric line normally connected through said first unit, both said units being mechanically held in operative'position, current controlled. means for releasing said 1 including quick motion mechanism.

' WILLIAM O. SCHULTZ.

ALWIN G. STEINMAYER.

,operative position, said last mentioned means 

